When something goes wrong in your home, one of the first questions you may ask is: “Does my homeowners insurance cover this?”
The answer isn’t always straightforward.
A standard homeowners insurance policy generally provides coverage for your home’s structure, certain other structures on your property, personal belongings, personal liability, and additional living expenses after a covered loss. But homeowners insurance is not an all-purpose home repair plan. Coverage depends on what caused the damage, what your specific policy excludes, your coverage limits, and whether you have purchased additional endorsements or separate insurance.
This distinction is especially important when dealing with water damage, flooding, mold, sewer backups, termites, earthquakes, renovations, and expensive personal property.
In this guide, we’ll answer the question “Does my home insurance cover it?” for seven common—and sometimes surprising—types of household damage.
Important: Insurance policies vary. The information below describes common homeowners insurance practices in the United States and is not a substitute for reviewing your individual policy or speaking with your insurance company.
What Does Homeowners Insurance Usually Cover?
Before looking at what isn’t covered, it helps to understand what a typical homeowners policy does cover.
Most homeowners policies include some combination of:
Dwelling coverage – damage to the physical structure of your home from covered causes of loss.
Other structures coverage – certain detached structures such as garages, sheds and fences.
Personal property coverage – belongings such as furniture, clothing, electronics and other possessions.
Loss of use/additional living expenses – certain additional expenses if a covered loss makes your home temporarily uninhabitable.
Personal liability coverage – certain claims if you are legally responsible for injury or property damage to another person.
Medical payments coverage – certain medical expenses for people injured on your property.
The exact coverage depends on your policy, deductible, limits, exclusions and endorsements. Some policies use a named-perils approach, while broader policies may cover many causes of loss unless they are specifically excluded.
So, if you’re asking “Does my home insurance cover damage?”, the most important question isn’t simply what was damaged?
It’s:
What caused the damage?
That distinction can determine whether your claim is covered.
1. Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Earthquakes, Sinkholes and Landslides?
Usually, no.
Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover earthquake damage, and earth movement exclusions can also apply to certain types of landslides, mudslides and other ground movement. Earthquake coverage is commonly available through a separate policy or endorsement. (Avoid common lacks of coverage in this article)
This can include damage such as:
Cracked foundations
Structural movement
Damaged walls
Broken chimneys
Damage caused by ground shaking
Certain damage caused by earth movement
What about sinkholes?
Sinkhole coverage is more complicated because availability and coverage requirements vary by state and insurer. Some policies or endorsements may provide sinkhole coverage, while others exclude it.
That’s why homeowners in areas with significant sinkhole risk should specifically ask their insurance company whether sinkhole damage is covered, excluded or available by endorsement.
What about landslides?
Landslides and mudslides are commonly excluded from standard homeowners policies. However, the precise definition of the event matters because insurance policies distinguish between different types of earth movement.
If you live in an area where earthquakes or other ground movement are a concern, ask your insurance professional whether you need earthquake, earth movement or other specialized coverage.
2. Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flood Damage?
Usually, no.
One of the biggest homeowners insurance misconceptions is that a standard home insurance policy covers all water damage.
It doesn’t.
Flood damage is generally excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies. Flood insurance is available separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private insurers.
Flooding can result from:
-Heavy rainfall
-Rivers and streams overflowing
-Storm surge
-Rapid snowmelt
-Flash flooding
-Surface water entering the home
-Certain drainage and stormwater events
And flooding isn’t limited to coastal properties.
The NFIP notes that flooding can occur almost anywhere, including areas considered to have lower or moderate flood risk. Nearly one-third of NFIP flood claims from 2014–2024 came from areas outside current high-risk flood zones.
But isn’t water damage covered by homeowners insurance?
Sometimes. The source of the water matters.
For example:
Situation
Typical homeowners insurance treatment
-Burst interior pipe
-Often covered, depending on policy and circumstances
-Sudden appliance leak
-Often covered if caused by a covered event
-Roof leak from a covered storm
-May be covered
-River flooding
-Generally not covered
-Storm surge
-Generally not covered under standard homeowners insurance
-Surface water entering the home
-Generally considered flood damage
-Sewer backup
Usually requires separate coverage or an endorsement
This is why “water damage” and “flood damage” aren’t necessarily the same thing from an insurance perspective.
For additional information, see our guide:
Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage?
Do I need flood insurance if I’m not in a flood zone?
Potentially.
FEMA’s NFIP emphasizes that flooding can occur outside high-risk flood areas, and many homeowners policies don’t cover flood damage. In some circumstances, mortgage lenders may also require flood insurance.
3. Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Sewer Backups?
Usually not unless you have specific coverage.
A sewer backup can send contaminated water into a basement, bathroom or other parts of your home. Unfortunately, sewer backup is commonly excluded from a standard homeowners policy unless you have purchased a sewer or drain backup endorsement or other specific coverage.
Sewer backups can be caused by:
Clogged sewer lines
Tree roots growing into sewer laterals
Damaged or deteriorated sewer pipes
Heavy rainfall overwhelming sewer systems
Municipal sewer problems
Backflow through floor drains
Problems with the home’s sewer lateral
A sewer backup can damage:
Flooring
Drywall
Furniture
Electrical systems
Personal belongings
Finished basements
HVAC equipment
It can also create a sanitation hazard because sewage may contain harmful contaminants.
Does flood insurance cover a sewer backup?
Not necessarily.
The cause of the backup matters. For example, NFIP flood insurance can cover certain sewer backup damage when the backup is directly caused by flooding, but a backup caused by a clogged sewer line isn’t automatically covered as flood damage.
If you have a basement, it is worth asking your insurance company specifically about:
“sewer backup and sump pump overflow coverage.”
You should also know where your sewer lateral begins and who is responsible for maintaining it. In many situations, homeowners are responsible for the portion of the sewer lateral serving their property.
4. Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold?
Sometimes—but it depends heavily on what caused the mold.
This is one of the most misunderstood areas of homeowners insurance.
Mold itself isn’t automatically covered simply because you have homeowners insurance.
Mold resulting from long-term moisture problems, poor maintenance, leaks that weren’t repaired, or chronic humidity is generally not covered. Mold and other damage associated with neglect or lack of maintenance are commonly excluded.
However, mold remediation may be covered when the mold is the direct result of a covered sudden and accidental event.
For example:
Mold may be covered when it results from:
A sudden burst pipe
A covered plumbing loss
Certain storm damage
Fire-related water damage
Another sudden event covered by the policy
Mold may not be covered when it results from:
Long-term moisture
Chronic plumbing leaks
Poor ventilation
Excess humidity
Deferred maintenance
A long-standing roof leak
Neglected water damage
Certain flood losses
The exact policy language is critical.
Some insurers also offer limited mold coverage or a mold endorsement, so homeowners should check their policy rather than assuming mold is either always covered or always excluded.
Why acting quickly matters
If you discover water damage, don’t simply wait for the area to dry on its own.
Promptly addressing the water source and beginning appropriate water mitigation can help reduce the chance of secondary damage, including microbial growth.
If you suspect mold, professional assessment and remediation may be appropriate depending on the extent and circumstances of the damage.
5. Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Damage During a Home Renovation?
Not necessarily—and this is where the original assumption needs some clarification.
It’s too broad to say that homeowners insurance simply doesn’t cover construction damage.
Your homeowners policy may still cover certain covered perils during a renovation. However, major remodeling projects can create coverage gaps, and damage arising from defective workmanship, contractor mistakes or other construction-related circumstances may involve different insurance coverage.
Before beginning a major renovation, notify your insurance company.
The Insurance Information Institute recommends reviewing your homeowners coverage before construction begins because the value of your home may increase during the project. It also recommends verifying that contractors and subcontractors carry appropriate insurance.
Renovation insurance questions to ask before work begins
Ask your insurance professional:
Does my current homeowners policy remain adequate during construction?
Does my dwelling coverage reflect the home’s post-renovation value?
Do I need additional coverage?
Would a builder’s risk or course-of-construction policy be appropriate?
Is the contractor carrying general liability insurance?
Does the contractor carry workers’ compensation insurance?
Are subcontractors independently insured?
Are materials stored on-site covered?
What happens if construction materials are stolen?
What happens if the unfinished structure is damaged by a storm?
Always verify your contractor’s insurance
Don’t rely solely on a contractor saying they’re insured.
Ask for documentation showing appropriate insurance coverage, and make sure it remains current for the duration of the project.
A major renovation is also a good time to photograph the property and keep copies of contracts, receipts and records of improvements.
6. Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Termite Damage?
Generally, no.
Termites can cause extensive structural damage, but homeowners insurance generally treats termite infestations and similar pest damage as a maintenance issue, rather than a sudden accidental loss.
As a result, termite damage is generally excluded from standard homeowners insurance.
The same general principle can apply to damage caused by other pests or infestations.
Termites can damage:
Floor joists
Wall framing
Subflooring
Roof structures
Door and window frames
Other structural wood components
The challenge is that termite damage often develops slowly and may remain hidden for a long time.
What homeowners can do
Preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of a costly termite problem.
Consider:
Regular professional inspections
Keeping wood and debris away from the foundation
Correcting moisture problems
Repairing plumbing leaks
Keeping gutters and downspouts functioning properly
Maintaining proper drainage around the home
Watching for mud tubes and other signs of termite activity
If you discover evidence of termites, contact a qualified pest-control professional promptly.
7. Does Homeowners Insurance Fully Cover Expensive Jewelry, Artwork and Other Valuables?
Usually not without additional coverage.
Your homeowners policy may cover jewelry, artwork and other valuable possessions—but special limits can apply.
For example, the Insurance Information Institute notes that a standard homeowners policy may have a relatively low theft limit for jewelry, commonly around $1,500, although actual limits vary by policy and insurer.
Similar sublimits can apply to certain categories of:
Jewelry
Watches
Artwork
Antiques
Collectibles
Silverware
Furs
Certain electronics
Other high-value personal property
That means a homeowner could have $10,000 worth of jewelry in the house but discover that the standard policy’s special limit is substantially lower.
How do you insure expensive valuables?
You may be able to:
Increase the policy’s special limit
Add a scheduled personal property endorsement
Purchase a personal articles policy or floater
Obtain an appraisal
Provide photographs and documentation
Maintain receipts and other proof of ownership
Scheduled personal property coverage can also provide broader protection for certain items than a standard homeowners policy.
This is particularly important for engagement rings, heirloom jewelry, high-value artwork and collectibles.
What About Wear and Tear?
There’s another important homeowners insurance rule to understand:
Homeowners insurance generally isn’t a substitute for routine maintenance.
Insurance is designed primarily to protect against covered losses—not to pay for the normal aging and deterioration of a home.
Examples of problems that may not be covered include:
Aging roofs
Normal wear and tear
Deteriorating plumbing
Rot
Gradual leaks
Poor maintenance
Pest infestation
Long-term moisture problems
Corrosion
Defective workmanship, depending on the circumstances and policy
The NAIC explains that homeowners policies cover damage caused by covered perils, while exclusions and policy conditions determine what isn’t covered.
This is why routine home maintenance can be important not only for protecting your home, but also for avoiding coverage disputes after a loss.
What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover After Water Damage?
Because water damage is one of the most common reasons homeowners ask “Does my home insurance cover this?”, it’s worth remembering this simple rule:
The source of the water matters.
A sudden and accidental water loss may be covered, while flooding, long-term leaks, sewer backups and maintenance-related damage may require separate coverage or may be excluded.
For example:
A pipe suddenly bursts inside your home:
Your homeowners policy may cover resulting damage, subject to the policy terms and deductible.
Rainwater floods your basement:
Standard homeowners insurance generally won’t cover the flood damage.
A sewer backs up into your basement:
You may need sewer backup coverage.
A slow plumbing leak causes months of mold growth:
Coverage may be limited or excluded because of the gradual nature of the damage.
A storm damages your roof and rain subsequently enters the home:
Coverage may be available if the storm damage is a covered cause of loss and the policy requirements are satisfied.
This is why determining what caused the damage and how quickly it occurred can be critical when filing a claim.
How to Find Out if Your Home Insurance Covers Damage
If you’re dealing with damage right now, don’t rely solely on what you find in a general article—or on what a friend says their insurance company covered.
Start with your actual policy.
Look for:
1. Your declarations page
This tells you important information such as:
Coverage limits
Deductibles
Policy dates
Endorsements
Covered property
2. The exclusions section
This is particularly important for:
Flood
Earthquake
Earth movement
Sewer backup
Mold
Wear and tear
Pest damage
3. Your endorsements
Additional coverage may have been added to your policy for risks such as:
Sewer backup
Water backup
Sump pump overflow
Scheduled jewelry
Equipment breakdown
Earthquake
Mold
Other specialized risks
4. Your deductible
Even when damage is covered, you generally have to pay your deductible before the insurer pays the covered portion of a claim.
Deductibles can be a fixed dollar amount or, in some situations, a percentage of the home’s insured value.
Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost: Why It Matters
Another factor that can dramatically affect how much you receive from an insurance claim is whether your policy uses actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV).
Actual Cash Value
ACV generally takes depreciation into account.
For example, if an older item needs to be replaced, the insurer may calculate its value based partly on its age and condition.
Replacement Cost
Replacement cost coverage generally pays the cost to repair or replace covered property with materials of like kind and quality, subject to the policy terms and limits, without subtracting depreciation in the same way.
The distinction can make a significant difference after a major loss.
What Should You Do If Your Home Has Water, Mold or Storm Damage?
If your home has suffered unexpected damage:
Address immediate safety concerns.
Stop the source of water if it is safe to do so.
Take photographs and videos before cleanup when possible.
Contact your insurance company or agent promptly.
Keep receipts for emergency services and temporary expenses.
Prevent additional damage when reasonably possible.
Don’t make major permanent repairs before discussing the claim with your insurer unless immediate action is necessary to prevent further damage.
Use qualified professionals for cleanup and repairs.
Keep copies of estimates, invoices and communications.
For water or mold damage, quick action can be particularly important because moisture can lead to additional property damage and microbial growth.
Homeowners Insurance Coverage: Frequently Asked Questions
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
Sometimes. Sudden and accidental water damage caused by a covered event may be covered, while flood damage, sewer backups, gradual leaks and maintenance-related problems may be excluded or require additional coverage.
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?
Generally, no. Most standard homeowners insurance policies exclude flood damage. Separate flood insurance is available through the NFIP and private insurers.
Does homeowners insurance cover mold?
It depends on the cause. Mold caused by a covered sudden and accidental event may be covered in some circumstances, while mold associated with long-term moisture, maintenance problems or other excluded causes generally isn’t covered.
Does homeowners insurance cover sewer backup?
Usually only if you have specific coverage. Sewer or drain backup coverage may be available as an endorsement to a homeowners policy.
Does homeowners insurance cover termites?
Generally, no. Termite infestation and damage are typically considered maintenance-related and are generally excluded from standard homeowners insurance.
Does homeowners insurance cover earthquake damage?
Generally, no. Earthquake insurance is typically purchased separately or added through an endorsement, depending on the insurer and location.
Does homeowners insurance cover a roof leak?
It depends on what caused the leak. Damage from a covered storm may be covered, while deterioration, lack of maintenance or an aging roof may not be.
For more information, read:
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?
Does homeowners insurance cover damage during a renovation?
It can, but don’t assume your existing policy is sufficient. Notify your insurance company before a major renovation and verify that your contractor and subcontractors have appropriate insurance. A builder’s risk or course-of-construction policy may be appropriate for some projects.
Does homeowners insurance cover jewelry?
Usually, but often with special limits. High-value jewelry and other valuables may need scheduled personal property coverage or another endorsement to be adequately insured.
The Bottom Line: Does My Home Insurance Cover It?
The answer is often “it depends.”
Homeowners insurance can provide important protection against many unexpected losses, but it generally doesn’t cover every type of damage that can happen to a house.
The biggest coverage questions usually involve:
Flooding
Earthquakes and earth movement
Sewer backups
Mold
Termites and other infestations
Renovation and construction-related losses
High-value personal belongings
Normal wear and tear and maintenance problems
The most important thing to remember is that the cause of the damage matters just as much as the damage itself.
A water-damaged basement, for example, could have very different insurance implications depending on whether the water came from a burst pipe, a sewer backup, groundwater flooding or a storm.
If your home has experienced water damage, flooding, mold growth, sewage backup or other property damage, professional assessment and prompt mitigation can help prevent the problem from becoming worse.
Need Professional Water or Mold Damage Help in Romeoville?
If you’re dealing with water damage, mold, sewage cleanup or another property emergency, contact PuroClean Romeoville at 815-905-2225.
A professional restoration team can help assess the damage, begin appropriate cleanup and help document the condition of the property for your insurance claim.
Call PuroClean Romeoville now at 815-905-2225 for professional property damage restoration services.
